BRISBANE have moved to secure the long-term services of Pearce Hanley as rivals clubs circle the emerging Irishman knocking on the door of AFL stardom.

The 24-year-old has the potential to be considered one of the best if not the best import from the Emerald Isle.

The late Jimmy Stynes won a Brownlow Medal, Tadhg Kennelly won a flag with Sydney but Hanley has all the attributes to at least be in the best-ever-Irishman debate as he plays football like he grew up in Melbourne, not County Mayo.

Hanley is out of contract at the end of 2012 and several clubs have made inquiries about the midfielder/defender who recently signed with player manager Paul Connors.

The Lions have made contact with Connors about a number of players including Hanley and are keen to lock him into a new deal given he would fetch a high-price on the open market.

Ahead of today's season-opener against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, Hanley who has played 56 senior games since his senior debut in 2008 - said his approach was simple.

"Your footy does the talking when it comes to contracts so I'm happy for Paul and the club to sort it out whenever. If it is soon, the middle of the year or late in the season, all I want to do is play good football,'' Hanley said.

"I'm enjoying where Brisbane are heading at the moment. We've had a few tough years but it looks like we've got a bright future and I want to be a part of that.''

His desire to stay at the Gabba would please senior coach Michael Voss.

"People talk about the likes of Rich, Redden and Rockliff when they talk about this club's future but you can throw Pearce into that category as well,'' Voss said.

"There is a daring element in his game that we encourage. You feel like his development phase is done. It's time for him to establish himself as a real player in this competition.

"He is ready to take that step. He has met every challenge so far.

"He is a genuine playmaker that breaks lines which makes him very valuable.''

Hanley provided valuable run and carry off the backline for the first part of his career but has been moved into the midfield/wing where his speed, kicking skills and aggression make him a standout.

''From where I've come from where everything was new to me I knew I had to work hard. You soon realise that the more you work, the better you get,'' Hanley said.

"I reckon I've definitely got a lot more improvement in me too.'

Hanley recently finished reading Stynes' book and while he baulks at any comparison to his countryman.

"If I can keep improving and keep getting better and those accolades come then so be it. I've heard so much about Jim and I enjoyed his book an inspiration,'' he said.

"He put his head down and worked hard and overcame so much. I didn't even know what a Brownlow was when I came to Australia but for him to win one is just incredible.

"I've never thought about how I compare to the Irish lads. I'll leave that up to others to decide.''

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